Reverence For The House Of God

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 21
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Reverence For The House Of God

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.
Lev. 19:30

God is high and holy; and to the humble, believing soul, His house on
earth, the place where His people meet for worship, is as the gate of
heaven. The song of praise, the words spoken by Christ's ministers, are
God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for
that loftier worship.

When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with
decorum, passing quietly to their seats. . . . Common talking,
whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of
worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should
characterize the worshipers.

If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them
maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the
heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special
benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of
other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the
house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by
not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer. . . . 

Elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; help
them to weave Jesus into their experience; teach them to have the
highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they
enter the Lord's house it should be with hearts that are softened and
subdued by such thoughts as these: "God is here; this is His house. I
must have pure thoughts and holiest motives. . . . This is the place
where God meets with and blesses His people." . . . 

Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the
sanctuary with sobriety and reverence.

Practice reverence until it becomes a part of yourself.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 56.